Steered by famed bassist and founder Aston “Familyman” Barrett and joined in solidarity by original Wailers’ guitarist Donald Kinsey, The Wailers continue to tour the world despite their legendary frontman and leader, Bob Marley, tragically passing away in 1981.
From 1973 to 1980, Bob Marley & The Wailers recorded, toured and performed before millions of fans worldwide. Since 1981, Familyman has carried on the mission to “keep The Wailers together,” just as Bob requested, affirming: “By doing that, you keep me alive through the music.”
The current incarnation of The Wailers has been together since 2016, with Joshua David Barrett taking Marley’s role as lead vocalist, impeccably delivering Bob’s powerful message of Jah love and unity through his engaging performance and interaction with the audience.
This is the second time in the past few years that the band have toured the UK, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Legend compilation album, the best-selling reggae album of all time, by performing it live in its entirety.
The band were supported by Jeremiah Ferrari, a young band who brilliantly mix reggae with indie rock. They also announced they will be playing a free show at the Hifi Club on the 31st of March, which will go down well in the venue’s intimate environment.
To be honest I had some pre-conceived thoughts about what the show would be like, thinking that one breath too deep would send away with the fairies, but I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of diversity in race, ages, and different backgrounds I could see amongst the audience.
The band played absolute classic after absolute classic, evoking so much joy and love throughout the O2. Literally everyone in the crowd was dancing, bringing people of all backgrounds and cultures together, continuing what their leader started all those years ago.